"INVISIBLE GIRL"--by LISA JEWELL--an intricate thriller about a young woman’s disappearance and a group of strangers whose lives intersect in its wake--plus three more terrific titles from this talented author

Invisible Girl

Owen Pick’s life is falling apart. In his thirties and living in his aunt’s spare bedroom, he has just been suspended from his job as a teacher after accusations of sexual misconduct—accusations he strongly denies. Searching for professional advice online, he is inadvertently sucked into the dark world of incel forums, where he meets a charismatic and mysterious figure.

Across the street from Owen lives the Fours family, headed by mom Cate, a physiotherapist, and dad Roan, a child psychologist. But the Fours family have a bad feeling about their neighbor Owen. He’s a bit creepy and their teenaged daughter swears he followed her home from the train station one night.

Meanwhile, young Saffyre Maddox spent three years as a patient of Roan Fours. Feeling abandoned when their therapy ends, she searches for other ways to maintain her connection with him, following him in the shadows and learning more than she wanted to know about Roan and his family. Then, on Valentine’s night, Saffyre disappears—and the last person to see her alive is Owen Pick.

Reviews

 

"I absolutely loved Invisible Girl—Lisa Jewell has a way of combining furiously twisty, utterly gripping plots with wonderfully rich characterisation—she has such compassion for her characters and we feel we know them utterly. To anyone who claims crime fiction is plot at the expense of character, I prescribe Lisa Jewell. A triumph!" -- LUCY FOLEY, New York Times bestselling author of The Guest List

"I'm obsessed.", Crime by the Book

“This weekend I finished Lisa Jewell’s gripping Invisible Girl and it was such a joy not to be able to put a book down. Her best yet." -- JOJO MOYES, New York Times bestselling author of The Giver of Stars

“I loved it. Every damn word.” -- AJ FINN, New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window

“Compelling and surprisingly moving—Lisa Jewell never lets you down.” -- CLARE MACKINTOSH, New York Times bestselling author of I Let You Go

“A masterclass in character... A wonderful slow-burn gripper—I loved it.” -- LOUISE CANDLISH, author of Our House

“Another masterpiece from a novelist whose grip on human nature in its flawed entirety never slips. Invisible Girl is gripping, disturbing and acutely observant; Jewell is an extremely special writer." -- ALEX MARWOOD, author of The Wicked Girls

“Jewell showcases the many ways that sexism can creep in and infect everyday moments . . . dark, sharp, and thought-provoking.”, BUST Magazine
“A breathtakingly brilliant novel by an author at the absolute top of her game.” -- JENNY COLGAN, New York Times bestselling author of The Bookshop on the Corner

“Lisa Jewell is the kind of writer you read twice—once as a breathless reader to see how the story unfolds, and then again to see how she makes it look so easy.” -- ERIN KELLY, author of He Said, She Said

With evocative, vivid, and unputdownable prose and plenty of disturbing twists and turns, Jewell’s latest thriller is another “haunting, atmospheric, stay-up-way-too-late read” (Megan Miranda, New York Times bestselling author)


ALSO BY LISA JEWELL



The Family Upstairs

From the New York Times bestselling author of Then She Was Gone comes another page-turning look inside one family’s past as buried secrets threaten to come to light.

Be careful who you let in.

Soon after her twenty-fifth birthday, Libby Jones returns home from work to find the letter she’s been waiting for her entire life. She rips it open with one driving thought: I am finally going to know who I am.

She soon learns not only the identity of her birth parents, but also that she is the sole inheritor of their abandoned mansion on the banks of the Thames in London’s fashionable Chelsea neighborhood, worth millions. Everything in Libby’s life is about to change. But what she can’t possibly know is that others have been waiting for this day as well—and she is on a collision course to meet them.

Twenty-five years ago, police were called to 16 Cheyne Walk with reports of a baby crying. When they arrived, they found a healthy ten-month-old happily cooing in her crib in the bedroom. Downstairs in the kitchen lay three dead bodies, all dressed in black, next to a hastily scrawled note. And the four other children reported to live at Cheyne Walk were gone.

In The Family Upstairs, the master of “bone-chilling suspense” (People) brings us the can’t-look-away story of three entangled families living in a house with the darkest of secrets.




Then She Was Gone

THEN....

She was fifteen, her mother's golden girl. She had her whole life ahead of her. And then, in the blink of an eye, Ellie was gone.

NOW....

It’s been ten years since Ellie disappeared, but Laurel has never given up hope of finding her daughter.

And then one day a charming and charismatic stranger called Floyd walks into a café and sweeps Laurel off her feet.

Before too long she’s staying the night at this house and being introduced to his nine year old daughter.

Poppy is precocious and pretty - and meeting her completely takes Laurel's breath away.

Because Poppy is the spitting image of Ellie when she was that age. And now all those unanswered questions that have haunted Laurel come flooding back.

What happened to Ellie? Where did she go?

Who still has secrets to hide?


 

I Found You

Two women...twenty years of secrets..and a man who can't remember...
 
In the windswept British seaside town of Ridinghouse Bay, single mom Alice Lake finds a man sitting on a beach outside her house. He has no name, no jacket, and no idea how he got there. Against her better judgment, she invites him inside.

Meanwhile, in a suburb of London, newlywed Lily Monrose grows anxious when her husband fails to return home from work one night. Soon, she receives even worse news: according to the police, the man she married never even existed.

Twenty-three years earlier, Gray and Kirsty Ross are teenagers on a summer holiday with their parents. The annual trip to Ridinghouse Bay is uneventful, until an enigmatic young man starts paying extra attention to Kirsty. Something about him makes Gray uncomfortable—and it’s not just because he’s a protective older brother.

Who is the man on the beach? Where is Lily’s missing husband? And what ever happened to the man who made such a lasting and disturbing impression on Gray?


Lisa Jewell 

 

Lisa Jewell was born and raised in north London, where she lives with her husband and two daughters. She is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of over twenty novels, including The Girls in the Garden, The House We Grew Up In, and The Third Wife. To find out more, visit Facebook.com/LisaJewellOfficial, or follow her on Twitter @LisaJewellUK.

http://www.lisa-jewell.co.uk/

"BURN YOU TWICE"--from New York Times bestselling author MARY BURTON--a must-read for lovers of thrilling romantic suspense--extensive research in police procedure and crime scene investigation and captivating characterizations make for a page-turning, all-in-one-sitting read (see my review)

Burn You Twice

Fire can destroy the past. It can also uncover secrets in this novel of searing suspense by New York Times bestselling author Mary Burton.

Ten years ago as an undergrad, Joan Mason escaped an arsonist’s fire. Shaken, she fled the small collegiate Montana town, leaving behind friends and not looking back. Now a Philadelphia homicide detective, Joan’s trying to put her traumas to rest. It’s not easy. Elijah Weston, the classmate who torched her house, is out of prison and returning to Missoula. Gut instinct tells Joan he’ll strike again. To stop him, she must return to the past as well. To face not only the man she fears but Detective Gideon Bailey, too. The man she loved and left behind.

When a local woman dies tragically in another fire, it can’t be a coincidence. Can it be Elijah? He has a solid alibi for the night of the blaze. Reunited by the tragedy, Joan and Gideon have their doubts. So does Gideon’s sister, Ann—Joan’s old college roommate.

The investigation draws Joan and Gideon together, but it also sends them down a dangerous path—into a troubling history that Joan, Elijah, and Ann all share. As more lives go up in flames in Missoula, this town’s secrets are just beginning to rise from the ashes.

“Burton does a good job balancing gentle romance with high-tension suspense.” —Publishers Weekly

MY REVIEW:  "Burn You Twice" is a compelling read from a master of suspense--author Mary Burton. Readers are taken on an involving thrill ride as this well-paced story grabs hold and doesn't let go--even after the last page is turned. After surviving an arson fire which nearly took her life and the life of her college roommate, Ann, Joan Mason had left Missoula, Montana behind. Ten years later, while working as a Philadelphia homicide detective, Joan receives word that Elijah Weston, the man convicted of setting the fire that she and Ann so narrowly escaped, is being released from prison. Temporarily on suspension due to her intense involvement with a current controversial arson-murder case, Joan follows her instincts and heads back to Montana. She is reunited with her friend, Ann, and with Ann's brother, Detective Gideon Bailey, who had been Joan;s sweetheart. When the arsonist strikes again, Joan and Gideon are drawn together by old feelings and new dangers. Are the fires the work of the obvious suspect, or is there a new evil to be feared? Author Mary Burton is a must-read for lovers of thrilling romantic suspense. Her extensive research in police procedure and crime scene investigation and her captivating characterizations make for page-turning, all-in-one-sitting reads. Highly recommended.

Book Copy Gratis Author


Visit Amazon's Mary Burton Page


Mary Burton

 

Mary Burton loves writing suspense, researching law enforcement and forensic procedures, morning walks, baking, books, and tiny dachshunds. She also enjoys hunting down serial killers, which she does in her New York Times and USA Today bestselling novels of suspense and romance. Library Journal has compared her work to that of Lisa Jackson and Lisa Gardner, and Fresh Fiction likened her writing to that of James Patterson.

Mary is routinely featured among the top twenty writers in Amazon's Author Rankings for romantic suspense, and her recent novel The Last Move claimed the number ten fiction slot in the Kindle eBooks Store.

Research is a favorite part of Mary's day. She never tires of learning more about police work, evidence collection and analysis. She's known for taking a hands-on approach, whether it means interviews with professionals in the field, forensic seminars or lessons at the firing range.

A Richmond native, Mary has lived there for most of her life. She is a graduate of Virginia's Hollins University and worked in marketing before she began writing full time. Her first book was published in 2000 and she's now the author of thirty-four published novels, five novellas and four works of contemporary women's fiction written as Mary Ellen Taylor.

A member of International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Novelists, Inc., and Romance Writers of America, Mary is known for creating multiple suspense stories connected by characters, such as her recent The Forgotten Files novels. Her new book, Her Last Word, and The Last Move, break that mold.

When not traveling for research or visiting with readers at bookstores, book festivals and conferences, Mary remains very much a homebody. She and her husband spend time alternately enjoying and lamenting their empty nest and spoiling their four-legged babies Buddy, Bella and Tiki.

http://www.maryburton.com/

From author TANYA AGLER--heartwarming small-town contemporary romance set in the fictional community of Hollydale, North Carolina--every heart deserves a second chance for lasting love and happiness

The Sheriff's Second Chance

Broken things can’t be fixed…

Or can they?

Officer and single dad Mike Harrison doesn’t believe in second chances. Ever. That is, until he learns that his former best friend—gorgeous green-eyed car mechanic Georgie Bennett—is back in town. Unfortunately, she’s also a suspect in a recent break-in! But it’ll take an old classic car to show Mike and Georgie that almost anything can be restored with a little patience…and a whole lot of love.


 

A Ranger for the Twins

She fell from grace…

Before falling for him

When her husband defrauded the town of Hollydale, now-divorced mom Lucie Decker went from being the town darling to total pariah. Now she’s launching a new business and needs ranger Caleb Spindler’s help. And her twins adore Caleb. After all, he’s a genuine hero—even if he is hiding a secret. But while Lucie’s heart has forgotten how to trust, it still remembers how to fall in love…  


Tanya Agler

 

Tanya Agler attended twelve different schools before her family settled in Georgia. After graduating from the University of Georgia with degrees in journalism and law, Tanya moved to metro Atlanta where she now lives with her husband, four children, and a Basset Hound.

Her debut Harlequin Heartwarming novel, The Sheriff's Second Chance, will be released in January of 2020 and was the recipient of the 2018 TARA Award in the unpublished category series category. 

When she's not writing, she loves watching classic movies (preferably those with Cary Grant) or enjoying a cup of tea alongside a good book.
Visit Tanya at her website www.tanyaagler.com. 

"GENTLEMAN JIM"--from USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews comes a swashbuckling tale of Regency era romance and revenge--a truly romantic story of love, longing, and loyalty (see my review)

Gentleman Jim

She couldn’t forget…

Wealthy squire’s daughter Margaret Honeywell was always meant to marry her neighbor, Frederick Burton-Smythe, but it’s bastard-born Nicholas Seaton who has her heart. Raised alongside her on her father’s estate, Nicholas is the rumored son of notorious highwayman Gentleman Jim. When Fred frames him for theft, Nicholas escapes into the night, vowing to find his legendary sire. But Nicholas never returns. A decade later, he’s long been presumed dead.

He wouldn’t forgive…

After years spent on the continent, John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare has finally come home to England. Tall, blond, and dangerous, he’s on a mission to restore his family’s honor. If he can mete out a bit of revenge along the way, so much the better. But he hasn’t reckoned for Maggie Honeywell. She’s bold and beautiful—and entirely convinced he’s someone else.

As danger closes in, St. Clare is torn between love and vengeance. Will he sacrifice one to gain the other? Or with a little luck—and a lot of daring—will he find a way to have them both?

"Full to the brim of a passionate spirit that almost bursts from the pages...This is Mimi Matthews on Caffeine...This will charge your brain and light your heart...I freaking LOVE this book." -Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration

"Equally passionate and powerful...Mimi Matthews proves once again that she is a master of historical fiction in Gentleman Jim." -Readers' Favorite

 

"One of the most highly anticipated books of the Fall historical romance lineup." -Austenprose

 

MY REVIEW:  "Gentleman Jim", from author Mimi Matthews, is a truly romantic story of love, longing, and loyalty. Set in Regency-Era England, this is the emotional tale of young sweethearts separated by the class system, long-simmering revenge, and a decade of heartbreak. Margaret "Maggie" Honeywell is the spirited daughter of a wealthy land owner. Expected to marry the son of landed gentry, Maggie's heart instead belongs to Nicholas Seaton, whose mother is a servant and whose father may be the infamous highway bandit, "Gentleman Jim". When Nicholas is unjustly accused of theft, Maggie helps him to escape, and he promises to come back for her one day. After ten years, with no word from Nicholas, Maggie has had much sadness to deal with, including her own serious illness. Her hopes and her heart are stirred with the arrival of John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare, a man of mystery with an agenda all his own. Maggie knows his eyes, and even though he would deny it, her very soul knows who he really is--but where has he been, and why did he not contact her? Will the power of a deep and true love be greater than a long-held need for retribution? Can secrets be uncovered and truths revealed to offer the chance for a future filled with happiness? Author Mimi Matthews has written a wonderful historical romance which brought me full circle back to the kind of love stories which enchanted me as a young reader moving forward into a new level of reading. Highly recommended.

Book Copy Gratis Author

Mimi Matthews

 

 
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews from Library Journal and Publishers Weekly, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.

https://www.MimiMatthews.com 

"Almost Home for the Holidays: A sweet, funny, inspirational romance"--from author Carla Rossi--the perfect road trip: 2 strangers, 1 truck, and 1400 miles to fall in love (see my review)

Almost Home for the Holidays

Yes, you can go home again...especially at Christmastime.

Detective Justin Hatcher and Cameron McAlister are in a hurry to leave North Carolina—for totally different reasons. He wants to confront his family in Cardinal Point, Texas about a five-year-old betrayal. She wants to escape the remnants of a failed marriage. Thrown together as unlikely and unexpected travel partners, their trip is filled with both dramatic and humorous situations along the road. But, with God's constant hand in their journey, Justin and Cameron may just discover that you can go home again--especially at Christmastime.

MY REVIEW: I really enjoyed "Almost Home for the Holidays"--it's a contemporary holiday romance that definitely has its heart-tugging moments, but it made me laugh out loud and lifted my spirits. Author Carla Rossi set a page-turning pace for this story, and I read it all in one sitting. Detective Justin Hatcher is about to tackle his toughest case yet--traveling from North Carolina back to his Cardinal Point, Texas homeplace to resolve old hurts and come face-to-face with the family he hasn't seen in five years. He hadn't expected to have a passenger along for the ride, but when a tearful young lady misses her bus and pleads with him for a ride, he can't say "no". Cameron McAlister feels the need to leave North Carolina behind when she learns her unstable ex-husband is being released from jail, and she hopes for a new start in Texas. A person of faith, Cameron senses that Justin is a good man--even if he acts like a grinch. Cameron is talkative--and quite inquisitive--and little by little, she and Justin get to know more about each other as Justin's truck eats up miles and miles of road. Their trip is filled with numerous unexpected twists and turns, including a growing sparks-fly attraction. The differences between them only make them more appealing to each other, but they both have many personal issues to overcome. As Cameron gains self-confidence, Justin's heart begins to thaw, and they each experience spiritual growth. Can love find a way to bring them together with hopes for a bright and shining future? If you are looking for a "feel good" inspirational holiday romance. then I highly recommend "Almost Home for the Holidays".

Book Copy Gratis Author 


ALSO IN "THE CARDINAL POINT ROMANCE SERIES"





 

 


Carla Rossi



Carla Rossi is a multi-published, award-winning author as well as an editor, cancer survivor, life-long musician, speaker, and writing teacher.
She has been writing romance for White Rose Publishing/Pelican Book Group and independently since 2007. Carla lives north of Houston with her husband. She has three grown children, two grandchildren, and two extremely helpful Maine Coon Muse Cats.

http://www.carlarossi.com

 

"Bubba and Squirt's Mayan Adventure" and "Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China"--author Sherry Ellis' adventurous tales for young readers are fun and educational--includes recipes! (see my review)

Bubba and Squirt's Mayan Adventure

An ancient Mayan civilization!

That's what Bubba and Squirt find when they travel through the mysterious vortex for another wild adventure. There they meet archeologists who are unearthing priceless artifacts.

But someone is stealing them. And an encounter with the Tate Duende awakens magic within Bubba. Throw in the mysterious Alux and a new discovery and things get sticky.

Will Bubba and Squirt solve the mystery, or will they be stuck forever in the jungles of Belize?

MY REVIEW: Those intrepid young explorers Bubba and Squirt are off to a new adventure in the second book in an entertaining middle-grade series from author Sherry Ellis. In "Bubba and Squirt's Mayan Adventure", Bubba and his big sister Squirt find themselves in Belize (a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America) at the site of an ancient Mayan archaeological dig. The detective-minded duo, who come from a family of magicians, are no strangers to mystical mysteries. Their first escapade occurred after Bubba dug a big hole in the woods behind their house, and that hole turned out to be a whirling vortex which transported them all the way to China. Now, they are caught in the middle of a case where valuable artifacts are being stolen as soon as they are discovered. Bubba and Squirt have their hands full trying to catch a thief, running from and after mythical characters come to life, and trying to get back home before their mom gets mad. "Bubba and Squirt's Mayan Adventure" is a fun and interesting read for young readers and readers who are young at heart. Author Sherry Ellis has also added some fascinating history, recipes for "Fry Jacks" and "Chicken Tortilla Soup", and a glossary which includes Spanish words and numbers. Readers will also enjoy the first book in the series, "Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China".

Book Copy Gratis Author

 

Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China

You can’t dig a hole to China!

Squirt doesn’t believe Bubba can dig a hole to China. But when the hole swallows them, the kids find themselves in Xi’an, China, surrounded by Terracotta Warriors.

It gets worse when the ghost of the first emperor of China appears. He tells them they can’t go home until they find his missing pi. The kids don’t know where to begin until they meet a girl and her grandmother who promise to help find the pendant.

Soon they realize they are being followed. And they are no closer to finding the missing pi. Will Bubba and Squirt ever make it back home? 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

"...young readers may not even realize that they are learning while being entertained!" -TDC Book Reviews

"Fun, educational, captivating! This is a wonderful middle-grade story with plenty to captivate young readers." -Deanie Humphrys-Dunne, author

"This is a book that will entertain all ages...Children reading this book will be thoroughly entertained, but also tricked into becoming partially educated about other cultures!" -Kitty Cat at the Library

"...a fun-filled, fastpaced, and entertaining read." -Virginia Wright, author

"...introduces early readers to ancient China's Terracotta Warriors and more in theis well-researched tale." -Kerrie Hollihan, author 

"...A pulsating adventure with great appeal to young readers, cinematic and littered with humor." –Ruffina Oserio for Readers Favorite

Sherry Ellis
 

 

Sherry Ellis is an award-winning children's author and freelance writer. Her published books include Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China, That Baby Woke Me Up AGAIN, That Mama is a Grouch, Ten Zany Birds, and Don't Feed the Elephant. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

In addition to being a writer, Sherry is also a professional musician who plays and teaches violin, viola, and piano. She also enjoys hiking, bike riding, and SCUBA diving.  

http://www.sherryellis.org


&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

 

MC Book Tours

 

Let us help promote your book today!

We are here to help you promote your book in every way possible. We provide virtual book tours, book blast, and cover reveals. MC Book Tours is operated by Mason Canyon, who blogs at Thoughts in Progress. Mason has been a part of the blogging community since October 31, 2009, and began MC Book Tours in June of 2016.

Mason has 30-plus years in journalism having worked as a journalist, editor and photographer. She has been an avid reader since she was a youngster. Her love of books directed her to blogging, reviewing and now to helping authors promote their writing.

To schedule a tour or for more information, contact Mason by email at mcbooktours@gmail.com

https://mcbooktours.com/

"The Key to Love"--novelist Betsy St. Amant invites you to experience this sweet story of how love doesn't always look the way we expect--and maybe that's a good thing (see my review)

 

The Key to Love

The only thing Bri Duval loves more than baking petit fours is romance. So much so, she's created her own version of the famous Parisian lovelock wall at her bakery in Story, Kansas. She never expects it to go viral--or for Trek Magazine to send travel writer Gerard Fortier to feature the bakery. He's definitely handsome, but Bri has been holding out for a love story like the one her parents had, and that certainly will not include the love-scorned-and-therefore-love-scorning Gerard.

Just when it seems Bri's bakery is poised for unprecedented success, a series of events threaten not just her business but the pedestal she's kept her parents on all these years. Maybe Gerard is right about romance. Or maybe Bri's recipe just needs to be tweaked.

MY REVIEW: Sometimes, the best relationships start out in the worst way--the characters don't meet "cute"--they meet "snarly". Such is the case with "The Key to Love", from author Betsy St. Amant. In the little town of Story, Kansas, there exists a charmingly quaint French-inspired pastry shop called "The Pastry Puff". The shop is owned by Agnes and Mabel--two ladies of a certain age and attitude who are unrepentant matchmakers. Their baker--the creator of divine delicacies--is Abrielle "Bri" Duval. While Bri has recreated the famous Parisian "Love Lock Wall" (lovers declare their undying love by attaching a lock to the wall and throwing away the key) outside the sweet shop, she is decidedly somewhat sour on romance. Also disillusioned with lasting love is reporter Gerard Fortier, sent by his employer to do a story on the bake shop and the wall after they become a hit on social media. Bri and Gerald, each with their own personal issues, take an immediate dislike to each other, and their initial conversations consist of verbal sparring. However, they both have a lot at stake--Bri wants to eventually buy the bake shop, and Gerard wants to move ahead to more significant reporting assignments. They will have to work together, and learn to like each other, in order to reach both of their goals. Along the way, the sparks between them just might turn in a different direction--antagonism may turn to attraction. Are their differences too great and their life plans too different for love to have its way? Is there a chance for a sweet and happy future together? It will take a great leap of faith--and some heavenly guidance--but if Bri and Gerard put their hearts and heads together, they may just find "the key to love".

Book Copy Gratis Revell Books via LibraryThing


Reviews

"An absolutely delightful (and delicious!) romance by up-and-coming author Betsy St. Amant. (Warning: it'll make you hungry!)"--Susan May Warren, USA Today bestselling author

"Wonderfully romantic and oozing with small-town charm, Betsy St. Amant's latest left me smiling from ear to ear. What a heart-warmer!"--Katie Ganshert, award-winning author of No One Ever Asked

"The Key to Love instantly had me chuckling. For you fans of charming bakeries, mischievous matchmakers, and wholesome love, you're going to love this! Best read with a plate of macarons by your side!"--Melissa Ferguson, author of The Dating Charade


BETSY ST. AMANT

 

Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of fifteen inspirational romance novels and novellas. She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two total opposite young daughters, a collection of coffee mugs, and an impressive stash of Pickle Chips. Betsy has a B.A. in Communications and a deep-rooted passion for seeing women restored in Christ. When she's not composing her next book or trying to prove unicorns are real, Betsy can usually be found somewhere in the vicinity of a white-chocolate mocha (nonfat, no whip!). She blogs frequently at www.ibelieve.com, a devotional site for women. Visit her athttp://www.betsystamant.com  (also published under Betsy Ann St. Amant)  

"The Cookbook Club: A Novel of Food and Friendship"--New York Times bestselling author Beth Harbison whips together a witty and charming--and delicious--story about the secrets we keep, the friends we make, and the food we cook--with recipes!

The Cookbook Club: A Novel of Food and Friendship

MUST LOVE BUTTER: The Cookbook Club is now open to members. Foodies come join us! No diets! No skipping dessert!

Margo Everson sees the call out for the cookbook club and knows she’s found her people. Recently dumped by her self-absorbed husband, who frankly isn’t much of a loss, she has little to show for her marriage but his ‘parting gift’—a dilapidated old farm house—and a collection of well-loved cookbooks

Aja Alexander just hopes her new-found friends won’t notice that that every time she looks at food, she gets queasy. It’s hard hiding a pregnancy, especially one she can’t bring herself to share with her wealthy boyfriend and his snooty mother.

Trista Walker left the cutthroat world of the law behind and decided her fate was to open a restaurant…not the most secure choice ever. But there she could she indulge her passion for creating delectable meals and make money at the same time.

The women bond immediately, but it’s not all popovers with melted brie and blackberry jam.  Margo’s farm house is about to fall down around her ears; Trista’s restaurant needs a makeover and rat-removal fast; and as for Aja, just how long can you hide a baby bump anyway?

In this delightful novel, these women form bonds that go beyond a love grilled garlic and soy sauce shrimp. Because what is more important in life than friendship…and food?

Reviews

 

"Heartwarming and fun, The Cookbook Club celebrates food and female friendship with a side of sweet romance that affirms the simple joy of being with people you care about. This is the book I didn’t know I needed.” (Amy E. Reichert, author of The Optimist’s Guide to Letting Go and The Coincidence of Coconut Cake)

"A delectable novel..." (Publishers Weekly)

“Harbison dazzles in her latest…Absolutely first-rate.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review) for When in Doubt, Add Butter )

“…Sure to appeal to fans of Jennifer Weiner, Jane Green, and Emily Giffin. It’s a tasty dish of light, escapist reading.” (The Examiner.com for When in Doubt, Add Butter)

“As slick and enjoyable as a brand-new tube of lip gloss.” (People for Hope in a Jar)

“Enough heart…for beach readers and foot fetishists alike!” (Entertainment Weekly for Shoe Addicts Anonymous )

“I would happily recommend Shoe Addicts Anonymous to anyone who loves shoes…or smart, funny, realistic women enjoying each other’s friendship and the happiest of happy endings.”  (Jennifer Weiner for Shoe Addicts Anonymous)

 

 

Beth Harbison

 

 

 

New York Times bestselling author Beth Harbison started cooking when she was eight years old, thanks to Betty Crocker’s Cook Book for Boys and Girls. After graduating college, she worked full-time as a private chef in the DC area, and within three years she sold her first cookbook, The Bread Machine Baker. She published four cookbooks before moving on to writing women’s fiction, including the runaway bestseller Shoe Addicts Anonymous and When in Doubt, Add Butter. She lives in Palms Springs, California.

 

http://www.Facebook.com/authorBethHarbison

"Restoring Heritage Series"--from author Tari Faris--delightful inspirational contemporary romance set in the charming small town of Heritage, Michigan (see my review)

Until I Met You

When she hears that the small town of Heritage, Michigan, is looking for a new librarian, Libby Kingsley jumps at the opportunity. Little did she know the library is barely more than a storage closet stuffed with dusty, outdated books. What the community really needs is a new building. But the only funds available are those being channeled into the new town square, and the landscape architect in charge of the project wants nothing to do with her plans.

All Austin Williams wants to do is get the town square project finished so he can do right by the family business and then extricate himself from the town that reveres the brother who cost him so much. But the local media and the town's new librarian seem to be conspiring against him at every turn. Will the determined bookworm find her way into his blueprints--and possibly even his heart?

Novelist Tari Faris invites you back to the small town with a big heart in this second book in the Restoring Heritage series.

"I loved this story! Tari Faris has upped her game in this sophomore book with her writing, her characterization, and especially the theme of family reconciliation. You'll love it too!"--Susan May Warren, USA Today bestselling author

"The right mixture of romance, humor, and realistic conflict. There's no overlooking how Faris makes you laugh with her lighthearted, fun scenes, but she doesn't back away from tough issues."--Beth K. Vogt, Christy Award-winning author of the Thatcher Sisters series

MY REVIEW:  Author Tari Faris treats readers to another charming small town romance with "Until I Met You", Book Two in her "Restoring Heritage" series. Heritage, Michigan is a town in the process of revitalization, and one of the things that definitely needs an update is the community library. Libby Kingsley needs a new start, and accepting the position of librarian will also allow her to be close to her brother, Luke, and his family. Libby discovers that library needs a complete overhaul--including a new building. Community funding is allocated for the new town square, and the architect in charge of the project, Austin Williams has hands full with limited resources, family issues, and the new librarian who is determined to provide Heritage with a renovated library. Libby and Austin bump heads from the beginning, live next door to each other, and will have to learn to work together in order to compromise and reach their individual goals. Along the way, can they become friends--and perhaps something more that they never expected? "Until I Met You" reacquaints readers with characters from Book One, "You Belong With Me", and the prequel. "P.S. Goodbye". This is a story filled with faith, second chances, and heartwarming romance. A recommended series for lovers of contemporary inspirational romance.

Book Copy Gratis Revell Books


 

P.S. Goodbye

What if a woman who’s all about the goals and plans falls in love with man who no longer believes his life has a purpose? A novice life coach needs to cement her reputation with one great success story. When a wounded former Special Forces operator walks back into her life looking for a job, she decides to work with him—a win-win for them both.

​If Caroline Williams had her way, she’d help everyone in town find their purpose in life—unfortunately, no one seems to want her help. But she refuses to give up, and her new status as a certified life coach should provide her with some badly needed credibility. All she needs is her first client. When Grant Quinn walks in looking for a job, Caroline knows he needs more than that—he needs a new plan for his life. But when Grant refuses to be honest about his dreams and his struggles, Caroline’s business might come crashing down before it starts.

Wounded former Special Forces operator Grant Quinn understood the cost when he enlisted and served his country with pride. The scars on his face are reminders of what he lost, but he is moving on—now if he could just convince his family that he’s fine. When Caroline steps back into his life and offers to help find him a job in exchange for being her Guinea pig in her new life coaching business, he agrees. After all, what better way to show his family he’s okay than with a new, stable job? But when the anxiety he’s been running from ruins his one interview, his plans come crashing down. Can he trust Caroline enough to be honest about everything?


 

You Belong with Me

Realtor Hannah Thornton has many talents. Unfortunately, selling houses in the town where her family name is practically poison isn't one of them. When a business tycoon determines to raze historic homes in the small town of Heritage, Michigan, and replace them with a strip mall, Hannah resolves to stop him. She sets about helping Heritage win a restoration grant that will put the town back on the map--and hopefully finally repay the financial debt Hannah's mother caused the town. But at first no one supports her efforts--not even her best friend, Luke.

Luke Johnson may have grown up in Heritage, but as a foster kid he never truly felt as if he belonged. Now he has a chance to score a job as assistant fire chief and earn his place in the town. But when the interview process and Hannah's restoration project start unearthing things from his past, Luke must decide if belonging is worth the pain of being honest about who he is--and who he was.


 

Author Tari Faris says: 

"I have been writing fiction for more than twelve years. It has been an exciting journey for this math-loving-dyslexic girl. I had read less than a handful of novels by the time I graduated from college and I thought I would end up in the field of science or math. But God had other plans and I wouldn't trade this journey for anything. As someone told me once, God's plans may not be easy, and they may not always make sense but they are never boring.

In addition to my writing, I also work for My Book Therapy as a special project project manager and write for LearnHowToWriteAnNovel.com and you can find me blogging over there on occasion.

​When I am not writing or working, I spend time with my amazing husband. We have been married for fifteen wonderful years and have three sweet children. In my free time, I love coffee, rock hounding with my husband and kids, and distracting myself from housework."

http://www.tarifaris.com

"Reindeer Food: 85 Festive Sweets and Treats to Make a Magical Christmas"--by Cayla Gallagher--Deck your halls with sprinkles and frosting! This cookbook has you covered for the entire holiday season! (see my review)

Reindeer Food: 85 Festive Sweets and Treats to Make a Magical Christmas

Whether you’re baking cookies with family, bringing cupcakes to a bake sale, or aiming to WIN your office holiday bake off, Reindeer Food will guarantee your success! This cookbook features tons of different techniques, allowing both beginners and baking experts to hone their skills this holiday season. Esteemed author Cayla Gallagher strives to turn everyday recipes into “edible cuteness”—colorful, eye-catching treats!

Cozy up in front of the fire with a Reindeer Hot Chocolate, challenge your friends to an Ugly Christmas Sweater Cake challenge, and watch the winter sun shine through your Snowflake Window Cookies. Santa will surely leave you extra presents when he sees the Candy Cane Cookies you’ve left out for him! And if someone in your family has been naughty this year, you can always sneak a couple Lumps of Coal into their stocking.

Recipes include:

Gingerbread man cupcakes
Wreath bundt cake
Reindeer marshmallows
Sugarplum truffles
Eggnog hot chocolate
Candy cane donuts
Sugar cookie gift tags
Dancing reindeer brioche
Christmas tree cheesecake cups
SO many more!

MY REVIEW: Hungry for holiday goodies? Look no further than "Reindeer Food: 85 Festive Sweets and Treats to Make a Magical Christmas". Author Cayla Gallagher offers cakes, cookies, candy, drinks, and more--all specially themed to add extra spirit to the season. Each dish is more delightful than the next--from simple to sensational--and many are much easier to prepare than the finished creation would suggest. Make scrumptious sweets and tempting treats for family and friends, and don't forget to treat Santa and the elves and reindeer too. Here's just a sampler of the irresistible recipes you'll find: "Ugly Christmas Sweater Cake"; "Red Velvet White Christmas Cake"; "No Bake Gingerbread Man Cheesecake"; "Festive Christmas Macrons"; "Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies"; "Spiced Holiday Woodland Sugar Cookies"; "Sugarplum Truffles"; "Christmas Rocky Road Fudge"; "Crispy Christmas Trees"; "Christmas Light Oreo Bites"; "Candy Cane Ice Cream"; "Chocolate Almond Hot Chocolate"; and much, much more. Make wonderful memories and start new holiday traditions with "Reindeer Food"--there's a treat here for everyone on your list.

Book Copy Gratis Skyhorse Publishing


Praise for Cayla Gallagher

"Author of Unicorn Food and Mermaid Food, Cayla Gallagher, is back in the kitchen with the third book in her Whimsical Treats cookbook series, Reindeer Food: 85 Festive Sweets and Treats to Make a Magical Christmas. This winter, follow her journey to new realms of sweetened confectionery goodness . . . If there’s one sure thing about cooking with Gallagher, it’s this: Your holiday table will look (and taste) better than ever before! . . . Gallagher’s fun recipes provide the perfect foundation for a cozy, vibrant Christmas at home. Find your new family favorite dessert, and savor every minute spent baking warmth into the frostiest season of the year."—Flea Market Décor

“Innovative and adorable culinary creations."—Forbes

"[Gallagher's] no-bake cheesecake is colorful and fun. The hardest part is just waiting for it to set! . . . It uses only a handful of ingredients and has plenty of steps, like crushing cookies and mixing cream cheese, that are ideal for getting young children involved." —TODAY.com

"With a sweet tooth as big as my entire mouth, I am a huge fan of goodies! And there is no one who has a better handle on making sweets look as fun as they taste than Cayla Gallagher. Get ready to dive deep into a treasure trove of delectable tasty treats that might have you eating the pages of this book!"—Joel Comm, New York Times bestselling author

"Cayla creates the most magical treats in this truly enchanting, colorful, and festive book. You can't help but smile as you turn each page, to discover new and exciting recipes, perfect for any special occasion!"—YouTuber Lindsay Ann Bakes, Food Network’s Cupcake Wars winner


Cayla Gallagher



Cayla Gallagher is the host and creator of the YouTube channel pankobunny, an online cooking show where she creates weekly tutorials, teaching her subscribers how to turn everyday recipes into “edible cuteness”—colorful, eye-catching treats! With an audience of more than 300,000 followers across her social media platforms and more than 300 million views on Facebook, she strives to bring amusement and creativity to dinner tables all over the world. She was named one of Canada’s next up- and- coming YouTube stars in 2016, and also sells pankobunny-themed treats on her Etsy shop.

https://www.pankobunny.com/

"MAUREEN O'HARA: THE BIOGRAPHY"--from author Aubrey Malone--breakthrough biography offers the first look at the woman behind the larger-than-life persona, sorting through the myths to present a balanced assessment of one of the greatest stars of the silver screen (see my review)

 

Maureen O'Hara: The Biography

From her first appearances on the stage and screen, Maureen O'Hara (b. 1920) commanded attention with her striking beauty, radiant red hair, and impassioned portrayals of spirited heroines. Whether she was being rescued from the gallows by Charles Laughton ( The Hunchback of Notre Dame, 1939), falling in love with Walter Pidgeon against a coal-blackened sky ( How Green Was My Valley, 1941), learning to believe in miracles with Natalie Wood ( Miracle on 34th Street, 1947), or matching wits with John Wayne ( The Quiet Man, 1952), she charmed audiences with her powerful presence and easy confidence.

Maureen O'Hara is the first book-length biography of the screen legend hailed as the "Queen of Technicolor." Following the star from her childhood in Dublin to the height of fame in Hollywood, film critic Aubrey Malone draws on new information from the Irish Film Institute, production notes from films, and details from historical film journals, newspapers, and fan magazines. Malone also examines the actress's friendship with frequent costar John Wayne and her relationship with director John Ford, and he addresses the hotly debated question of whether the screen siren was a feminist or antifeminist figure.

Though she was an icon of cinema's golden age, O'Hara's penchant for privacy and habit of making public statements that contradicted her personal choices have made her an enigma. This breakthrough biography offers the first look at the woman behind the larger-than-life persona, sorting through the myths to present a balanced assessment of one of the greatest stars of the silver screen.

MY REVIEW:  Maureen FitzSimons was born in Dublin, Ireland on August 17, 1920. By the time of her twentieth birthday, she had been discovered by screen great Charles Laughton, renamed Maureen O'Hara, and, as they say: "the rest is history". Author Aubrey Malone gives readers a glimpse of Maureen's life, both on-screen and in her personal world, in "Maureen O'Hara: The Biography". Cinema buffs will enjoy the author's attention to details in his descriptions of Maureen's films, costars, and the undeniable lure of show business. The FitzSimons family was extremely close--a blend of musical theatricality and athleticism. Maureen was a tomboy, always strong and adventurous, but she had also inherited her mother's musicality--she had a lovely singing voice. Appearing alongside her mentor, Charles Laughton, in "The Hunchback of Notre dame" was an invaluable learning experience for the young actress, and it was the beginning of her long career as an indelible screen presence. A statuesque beauty with glorious red hair and a delightful accent, she was also an action film star capable of poignant performances in dramas and family films such as "Miracle on 34th street" and "The Parent Trap". It was her great on-screen chemistry and lifelong friendship with John Wayne that brought out the best in both of the stars. Their acting pairing in "The Quiet Man" is one of the best screen duos of all-time. In her private life, Maureen did not find romantic happiness until her third marriage. Aviator Charles Blair had been a longtime friend of Maureen and her family, and when when both of their life circumstances changed, that friendship turned to love. She helped him run his air boat company, and they remained contentedly married for ten years until his tragic death in a plane crash. After her husband's death, she took over the running of their business and became the first woman president of a commercial airline. One of the things that Maureen O'Hara enjoyed throughout her long life was detecting an element of Irish heritage--even the smallest trace--in her costars and others she met. Seeing this beautiful lass from Dublin on film with her strength, spirit, and determination to remain true to herself and her beliefs, and reading about her extraordinary life, will make us all long for a connection to the Emerald Isle.

Book Copy Gratis University Press of Kentucky 

 

Reviews

 

"Maureen O'Hara is a significant contribution to scholars in the field and to readers for its broad scope, rich movie lore and enlightening information about O'Hara, the woman and the actress, whose career spanned a vital period in American film history." -- Mollie Gregory, author of Women Who Run the Show: How a Brilliant and Creative New Generation of Women Stormed Hollywood

"Aubrey Malone turns back the veil on O'Hara's closely guarded private life to reveal a truly fascinating, spirited and down-to-earth woman behind the glamorous movie star." -- News OK

"Capably researched yet breezily written." -- Express Milwaukee

"Much like author Christina Rice, author Aubrey Malone creates a tender and intriguing glimpse into the world of Maureen O'Hara's Golden Era...[Malone] gives an amazing and thought-provoking analysis on O'Hara's films. Standing alongside O'Hara's own autobiography, Maureen O'Hara: The Biography is wonderful." -- Journeys in Classic Film

"The writing style is outstanding and immensely captures a reader's attention and intrigues with the contents of Maureen O'Hara's glamorous lifestyle." -- The Southeastern Librarian

Aubrey Malone

 

 

 

Aubrey Malone is an M.A. graduate in English from University College Dublin. He has been reviewing films professionally since 1972 when he wrote for “TCD Miscellany.” In 1977 he became the resident film critic for “Image” magazine and held that position until 1989. That year he became the resident film critic for “Modern woman”, a supplement of “The Meath Chronicle” and held that position until 2002. In 2002 he became the resident film critic for “The Irish Catholic” and has held that position until the present day. His reviews can be seen posted online on this website. Also, he has been a book author since 1996 and has written numerous books on the cinema: “Hollyweird” (Michael O’Mara Books, ( “I Was a fugitive from a Hollywood Trivia Factory” (Prion/Carlton), “The rise and Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley” (Leopold books), “Sacred Profanity” (ABC-CLIO), “Censoring Hollywood” (McFarland), “Maureen O’Hara: The Biography” (University of Kentucky Press), “The Defiant One: A Biography of Tony Curtis” (McFarland) “Hollywood’s Second Sex: The Treatment of Women in Films from 1900-1999” (McFarland). Forthcoming is a biography of Marlon Brando from Propertius Press. He also reviews books on the cinema for various publications and writes film features and profiles for journals and magazines as well.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/28415.Aubrey_Malone

"THE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM SERIES"--from beloved author JANET DAILEY--four heartfelt holiday tales that combine the treasured seasonal traditions of small-town Branding Iron, Texas with sparkling contemporary western romance

Santa's Sweetheart

The delightful and entertaining holiday novel from the legendary author of dozens of treasured romances! This Christmas, visit the small town of Branding Iron, Texas, where it’s time for the Cowboy Christmas Ball and one irritable sheriff is about to get in the spirit of the season…and find love along the way.

Sheriff Sam Delaney is shouldering a lot as the lone lawman in the small Texas town of Branding Iron—and the widowed single father of six-year-old Maggie. Especially since Maggie’s determined that what her daddy needs this holiday season is a girlfriend. Suddenly Sam is hustled off to a meeting with Maggie’s schoolteacher—and surprised to discover the demure Grace Chapman is unexpectedly alluring. Then he’s roped into playing Santa at the annual Christmas ball, with the pretty Miss Grace by his side. It’s enough to make Sam even grumpier than usual—if not for the feelings sweet Grace stirs up inside . . 

Grace only wants to heal after her broken engagement. So why is she so charmed by the slow smile—and the surprising tenderness—of the town’s sheriff? Maybe because Grace is discovering that beneath Sam’s gruff exterior lies a heart as big as Texas, especially when it comes to the women in his life—like little Maggie. And now her… Which only has Grace hoping she’ll be Santa’s sweetheart for many seasons to come . . .
 

Holding Out for Christmas

She's all he wants for Christmas. Maybe even forever . . .

Conner Branch still hasn't stopped thinking about the sultry singer he spotted on stage during last year's Cowboy Christmas Ball. So imagine his surprise when he discovers the demure kindergarten teacher who comes home for the holidays to Branding Iron, Texas, is the very same woman. And once he's up close and personal with the mesmerizing Megan, he's downright determined to keep her by his side for good . . .

If only Conner Branch were simply the star struck cowboy she once believed him to be, Megan wouldn't have to worry about losing everything to the rugged--and wildly romantic--rancher. With Christmas in the air, it's a little too easy to imagine spending the holidays, not to mention her whole life, wrapped in Conner's loving arms. But this songstress has hopes for a big career back in Nashville. And no little holiday romance will ever get in the way of that. So what's a woman to do when she finds herself facing down a love as bold and exciting as Texas itself?


 

It's a Christmas Thing
 
The best gifts last a lifetime . . .
 
Veterinarian J.T. "Rush" Rushford isn't looking forward to Christmas. It'll be his first without his beloved four-year-old daughter, Claire. A year ago, Rush's wife divorced him for another man--then broke his heart further by revealing that Claire was her lover's child. The final blow was Rush losing all parental rights. Now he's in Branding Iron, Texas, with his mobile vet practice, just hoping to get through the season--until something like a Christmas miracle happens . . .

Turns out Claire's parents are going on an extended cruise, leaving Rush to take her for the holidays. It's bittersweet, knowing that he and Claire will have to part again, maybe forever. . . . Until a smart, not to mention beautiful, lady judge with a pregnant cat and an aging mutt takes a liking to the vet and his little girl and gets involved. With her on their side, and love in their hearts, this Christmas just might be the most joyous of all . . .


 

My Kind of Christmas

Sometimes the best surprises are right at home . . .

Returning to Branding Iron, Texas, is Travis Morgan’s last resort, and the abandoned ranch he inherited isn’t much more welcoming than the prison cell where he spent the last three years doing time for a tragic accident. Completely without funds or family, Travis finds celebrating Christmas is the last thing on his mind, but there’s no escaping the holiday spirit in this close-knit little town—not with Branding Iron’s longtime Santa retiring, and sweetly stubborn Mayor Maggie Delaney determined to find a replacement. When her no-nonsense façade slips to reveal the sensual, vulnerable woman beneath it, Travis realizes Maggie just might be as lonely as he is—and that this holiday season, love could be the gift that heals them both.


JANET DAILEY

 

Janet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.

Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. 

In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED, published in 1976. She went on to write more than 100 novels and become one of the top-selling female authors in the world, with 300 million copies of her books sold in nineteen languages in ninety-eight countries. She was known for her strong, decisive characters, her extraordinary ability to recreate a time and a place, and her unerring courage to confront important, controversial issues in her stories.

Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.  

https://janetdailey.com/ 

"DEATH RATTLE" from ALEX GILLY--the author of "DEVIL'S HARBOR" returns with a suspenseful thriller set in a California-Mexico border town--a scorching patch of desert that is home to a migrant detention center (see my reviews)

Death Rattle

Alex Gilly's "Death Rattle" is a riveting thriller for fans of Don Winslow's"The Border"

Every life has its price...
 
A death in a migrant detention center leads officer Nick Finn and his wife, human-rights lawyer Mona Jimenez, to investigate the prison's account of what happened.
 
When Carmen Vega's boyfriend tries to kill her, she hands over all her savings to a smuggler and sets out from Tijuana in a small, leaky boat. Within sight of the California coast, the boat starts to sink, and its passengers have to be rescued by border patrol.
 
Soon, Carmen turns up dead in a privately-operated Migrant Detention Center. Nick Finn, the officer who saved Carmen from drowning, is not satisfied with the prison's account of what happened to Carmen.
 
Trouble is, the company that runs the prison is on the verge of signing a billion-dollar procurement contract with Homeland Security. And there are people in this world for whom a billion dollars is worth a whole lot more than one human life. Or even three. 

MY REVIEW:  Author Alex Gilly's first novel, "Devil's Harbor", introduced a character whom I found immensely appealing, Marine Interdiction Agent for Customs and Border Protection, Nick Finn. This time in Book Two, "Death Rattle", both Nick and his wife, human-rights lawyer, Mona Jimenez, are deep in deadly waters as the illegal immigrant, Carmen, whom Nick rescued from a sinking boat becomes Mona's client. When Carmen is murdered while in detention, neither Mona nor Nick believe the official statement regarding her death, and they set out to find the truth. Nick also has his suspicions as to why his border protection team is seeing fewer drug-smuggling runs and more illegal immigrant entry attempts. Something in the troubled sea off the California coast is definitely fishy--and it's not just what lives under the water. "Death Rattle" is a fast-paced, complex thriller with a suspenseful story line--you will become so involved, you'll want to read it all in one setting. The author's characterizations are quite compelling--Nick is a border patrol agent, and Mona defends those who illegally cross that border. They would seem to be an impossible match, yet they love each other and are still together despite all that they have been through. "Death Rattle" takes on some tough subjects and moves the rocks from which snakes, human and reptilian, slither out from under--both are equally venomous.

Book Copy Gratis Forge Books


Praise for Death Rattle:

“What’s a border noir mystery without vicious drug cartels and desperate illegal migrants? Alex Gilly obligingly provides those joys in Death Rattle which is set in a town on the California-Mexico border laughably named Paradise.”―New York Times Book Review

“Impressive....will keep readers turning the pages. Thriller fans will want to see more of Nick.”―Publishers Weekly

ALSO BY ALEX GILLY

DEVIL'S HARBOR

With heart-stopping thrills, a Walter White-esque villain, and a fascinating hero, Alex Gilly's Devil's Harbor is a thriller unlike any you have read before...

Nick Finn and his partner and brother-in-law, Diego Jimenez, are used to rough water. As Marine Interdiction Agents for Customs and Border Protection, the two hunt drug smugglers, human traffickers, and other criminals who hide in the vastness of the waters surrounding southern California.

One night, Finn and Diego track a phantom boat off the Los Angeles coast, but it disappears before they can intercept it. They find a dead body in its wake, ravaged by sharks. Their investigation into the floater stalls when Finn is accused of using excessive force following the death of a suspected drug smuggler.

Then Diego is murdered--and Finn is the number-one suspect. As he races to find the real killer and save his marriage, Finn is forced to partner with Linda Blake, the desperate captain of the Pacific Belle and mother of Lucy, a very sick little girl, to attempt the one thing he has devoted his life to stopping.

In order to clear his name and save a child's life, Finn must smuggle narcotics by sea into the United States…and avoid the net that his CBP colleagues have cast for him.

 
MY REVIEW:  Author Alex Gilly's debut fiction work, "Devil's Harbor", is a suspenseful thriller that will keep you turning the pages until you read it all the way through. Once you start reading, you'll be hooked by the perfectly imperfect protagonist and the compelling storyline. As a Marine Interdiction Agent for Customs and Border Protection, Nick Finn patrols the ocean waters off Southern California, hunting the human predators who prey upon the weaknesses and addictions of their fellow man. His partner is Diego Jimenez, the younger brother of Finn's wife, Mona. A violent encounter with a phantom boat, skulking through the night waters with its lights out, will forever change the lives of Finn and those around him. When Finn is investigated for using excessive force, Mona, a lawyer, acts for his defense. Then the unthinkable happens--Diego is murdered, and Finn becomes the prime suspect. As his troubles intensify, his recurring struggle with alcohol resurfaces--a lingering inheritance from an alcoholic father. Desperate to clear his name, save his marriage, and hold onto his life and sanity, Finn becomes involved with dangerously warped schemers who have a twisted, evil agenda all their own. Finn has served his country both in wartime and stateside. He is a good man who has made some bad choices. Is it too late to save himself, or can he pull off one more mission--the mission of a lifetime? Author Alex Gilly is also a translator, and I will say this as a reader and a film fan: "Devil's Harbor" will translate into a terrific action-adventure film with a lead character whose flaws are outshone by his inherent heroism.

Book Copy Gratis Amazon Vine

Reviews

 

“Gilly's debut is a real page-turner filled with thrills, chills, and unexpected surprises.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Buy it! Recommend it! Push it on anyone who loves suspense and action served with hard-boiled style! The writing is exuberant yet controlled, the plot is twisty and devious yet easily tracked, the characters are freshly imagined...The boat chases are the best since the early Bond novels, the revelations are startling, and the bourbon scenes make you thirsty.” ―Booklist (starred review)

“Devil's Harbor is a fast-paced, sophisticated thriller, filled with twists, turns and compelling characters that will stay with the reader long after they've read the exciting final pages. Alex Gilly is a writer to be reckoned with - one that knows his territory, whether it is a speedboat trapped in an offshore gale or how to aim a rifle from a pitching deck. This is a book that operates deliciously in the shadows beneath the dark Pacific waters surface and in the darker places in men's hearts. A fine debut that will keep readers up late at night.” ―John Katzenbach, internationally bestselling author

“[A] thrill-a-moment first novel...The ending is an unexpected nail-bitter that crackles with tension.” ―Publishers Weekly


ALEX GILLY




ALEX GILLY is a writer and translator who was born in New York City and has lived in Australia, Canada, France, California, and the UK. One of his translations, Thierry Cruvellier's THE MASTER OF CONFESSIONS, was longlisted for the 2015 PEN Translation Prize. Alex holds an MA in Translation and Interpreting Studies and a BA in Linguistics and Spanish and Latin American Studies, both from the University of New South Wales. In addition to his work as a translator, Alex has worked as a boating-magazine writer, editor, and copy editor. He currently lives in Sydney with his wife and son. DEVIL'S HARBOR is his first novel.

http://www.alexgilly.com/